Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 29, 1995 TAG: 9509290046
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: EMILY ROGERS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
The Crop Walk, locally sponsored by the Radford/Fairlawn Ministerial Association, is an annual nationwide fund-raiser to fight hunger. In 1994, Crop Walk helped more than 3,800 food banks by contributing more than $3 million. Last year's walk in Radford brought out 250 walkers and raised $2,500.
Local organizers hope to double the number of participants this year to 500 and increase fund raising to $5,000.
To increase this year's involvement, organizers have invited senior citizens to participate. Seniors may walk laps around the perimeter of the Dedmond Center, instead of completing the 6.2-mile route. That route begins and ends at the Dedmond Center, with a tour of Radford in between.
One gung-ho, 80-year-old participant has done her share by securing pledges totaling $400, said Polly Jackson, who is helping put together this year's event. Organizers are encouraging other groups, such as fraternities and sororities, to lace up their tennis shoes and join in the walk to help fight hunger. Prizes will be awarded to both the biggest fund-raiser and the oldest participant.
Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will go back to the community in the form of contributions to the Women's Resource Center, Radford Food Pantry and Radford/Fairlawn Daily Bread. Other money will go toward helping the nation's hungry and needy.
The money raised in Crop Walk is used to help people "around the block and around the world," Jackson said. Last year's walk enabled Church World Services to aid Oklahoma City residents devastated by the bombing.
Information is available at participating churches or by calling Jackson at 639-1279.
Participants may also register on the day of the event, at 1:30 p.m. The walk begins at 2 p.m.
by CNB